The Influence of Special Interest Money

By Councilman Adam Kwasman

There’s a reason so many Arizonans feel like politics doesn’t work for them anymore. It’s because, too often, it doesn’t. It works for the special interests with the biggest checkbooks.

As a conservative, I believe in limited government and maximum freedom. But freedom is undermined when a handful of elite donors can drown out the voices of everyday citizens. When special interest money flows unchecked into campaigns, access, and influence become privileges for the few.

This isn't just a partisan problem. It affects Republicans and Democrats alike. From dark money mailers to untraceable digital ads, our elections are being shaped behind closed doors.

At Democracy Arizona, we support bipartisan reforms to make campaign funding more transparent, hold outside groups accountable, and empower grassroots candidates.

Your voice should matter more than your wallet. Let’s work together to make sure that’s true.

• Adam